Toowoomba crash victim revealed as former Greens candidate and ‘tireless advocate’ for marriage equality

The victim of a horror crash near Allora has been revealed as a “tireless” advocate for marriage equality, climate action and progressive politics. He is being described as “kind, witty and full of effervescent energy” by friends.

Toowoomba marriage equality campaigner Thomas Coyne in 2017. Mr Coyne was killed in a crash near Allora on Monday morning.

One of Toowoomba’s leading advocates for same-sex marriage, climate change and progressive politics is being remembered by friends and family as a “tireless activist” who cared deeply for others.

Thomas Coyne, who ran for the Greens in the seat of Toowoomba South at last year’s 2020 election, was killed when his car crashed along the New England Highway near Allora just after midnight on Monday.

He was 21.

Mr Coyne, who was also a full-time disability carer for his mother and a member of the LGBTQI community, was the Greens’ rural and regional convener and ran various climate campaigns and community action groups in recent years.

Thomas Coyne leads the March for Marriage Equality in Toowoomba in 2017.

Mr Coyne earned nearly seven per cent of the vote at the state election last year.

“I stuck my hand up this election because I’ve seen time and time again that the major parties just aren’t tackling the issues that matter,” he said during his campaign launch in October.

He was also vocal during the 2017 same-sex marriage postal vote survey, to which Groom narrowly voted “no”.

Close friend and fellow activist Alyce Nelligan said Mr Coyne worked tirelessly to advocate for the disadvantaged across Toowoomba and western Queensland.

“Thomas was a bright light in this world — he was relentlessly committed to doing good,” she said.

“He was determined to make the world a better place — his tireless activism and community work will be missed.

“He was a good friend, kind, witty and full of effervescent energy.”

A statement from the family is expected to be released soon.

No details have been made available yet about his funeral.

The Forensic Crash Unit is still investigating the cause of the crash.

The car hit a power pole, causing the lines to fall.

Anyone with information about the crash, or dashcam footage, should phone policelink on 131 444.

Thomas Coyne, a marriage equality activist and Greens candidate for Toowoomba South in 2020, was killed when his car crashed near Allora on Monday morning.